Cats make wonderful companions, but without responsible ownership, they can also contribute to a serious community problem – overpopulation.
It’s estimated that in just seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce as many as 420,000 kittens. That’s a staggering number of unwanted animals, many of whom will end up in shelters or living on the streets.
Desexing – or spaying and neutering – is a simple and effective way to prevent this from happening. Beyond controlling the population, desexing brings significant health and behavioural benefits to your pet.
A desexed cat is:
• Less likely to wander or run away. With a reduced urge to roam, your cat is more likely to stay close to home, lowering the risk of accidents or getting lost.
• Less prone to fighting. Cats that haven’t been desexed may fight over territory or mating partners. These fights often lead to painful injuries and abscesses, and can even be life-threatening.
• Less likely to contract serious diseases. Fights can spread Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), also known as Feline AIDS. Desexing can help reduce this risk.
• At lower risk of reproductive cancers. Desexing can help prevent uterine, ovarian and mammary cancers in females and testicular cancer in males.
• Better behaved. Desexing can reduce antisocial behaviour, making your cat calmer and more affectionate. It also helps prevent spraying or territorial marking inside your home.
For pet owners, desexing is also the more affordable and practical option. A single cat can have 4–6 kittens per litter. Each of these kittens needs to be fed, wormed, treated for fleas, vaccinated and microchipped – all of which can become expensive very quickly. In fact, it is a legal requirement that all kittens be vaccinated and microchipped before being sold or given away.
The recommended age for desexing is around 4–6 months, ideally before your cat reaches puberty. Local council regulations require cats to be desexed by four months of age unless an exemption letter is provided by a veterinarian. Early desexing is safe, quick, and gives your cat the best start in life.
By choosing to desex your cat, you’re not only helping your pet live a longer, healthier, and happier life – you’re also playing an important role in protecting the wider cat community.
If you’d like more information about desexing, microchipping or registration of your cat, contact Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.
Together, we can make a difference.